HP preparing 7in TouchPad model set to launch in August?

Momentum is building ahead of the 9.7in HP TouchPad's arrival in the UK next month, and now we're hearing HP may be preparing to double down on its webOS slate ambitions and release a 7in tablet too.

According to reports, HP has ordered an average of close on half a million tablets a month from its Taiwanese component suppliers, and the orders are comprised of a mix of both the 9.7in TouchPad we're already familiar with, and a second unanounced tablet featuring a 7inb display.

The Taiwan Economic News says HP has ordered between 400,000 and 450,000 tablets a month from Inventec, a firm that also makes laptops for HP.

And the supplier has revealed that it's not just the 9.7in TouchPad that's making up the orders, either, though aside from claiming that the smaller 7in screened model will launch in August, it isn't sharing any further details – such as the breakdown of how many of each size HP is anticipating selling.

In total, though, it's estimated that Inventec will build and ship in the region of three million tablets for HP by the end of the year.